Shanghai TV Festival Opens as Magnolia Awards Draw Record International Entries

The 31st Shanghai TV Festival opened at the Shanghai Exhibition Center on June 22, launching five days of industry events and cultural activities through June 26.

The Magnolia Awards, one of the festival's most anticipated programs, drew more than 1,000 entries this year from 60 countries and regions, up from 43 a year earlier – a 39.5 percent rise in participating countries and regions.

In addition to strong participation from Europe, submissions were also received from emerging film and television markets including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil and Kazakhstan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, TV Drama jury president Zhang Yongxin said the core value of the Magnolia Awards lies in their respect for artistic creation.

"Television drama is an art form deeply connected to the public," Zhang said. "It not only reflects social change and real-life experiences, but also captures the collective emotions and spirit of its era."

The Magnolia Awards Ceremony is scheduled for June 26 at the Lingang Performing Arts Center.

During the festival, 11 screening venues across Shanghai will present nearly 30 acclaimed television productions from China and around the world.

As part of the China-Brazil Cultural Year celebrations, a restored version of the classic Brazilian television series "Escrava Isaura" will be screened during the festival.

Attending the opening ceremony, lead actress Lucélia Santos said she was moved by the series' enduring popularity in China.

"When the show was first broadcast in China, many people told me it was their first introduction to Brazil," she said. "I am delighted to learn that it will be shown again."

Santos described the festival as a continuation of the friendship between China and Brazil and expressed hope that more productions would be created to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, the lead actor of the hit drama "Pursuit of Jade," was named the festival's Magnolia Youth Ambassador at the opening ceremony.